Wednesday, 30 September 2015

Just how homosexualist are so many of theseJesuits?As Ipredicted, these men are feeling great cognitive dissonance, hence they are now trying to spin the Pope's meeting with Kim Davis to fit their graven image they have created of the Pope.

Fr. James Martin S.J., a celebrity Jesuit priest, is distinguishing himself in distorting, downplaying and fantasizing about how and what happened when the two met. What Fr. Martin really has in mind is to try to ensure that the homosexualist agenda is not derailed. The lie that Pope Francis is a homosexualist must be maintained. But, it is nothing but a lie. But then, what can we expect from a man who endorses a militant homosexual as a Lector at a Papal Mass?

Fr. Martin mocks Kim Davis' religious beliefs making a big to-do that she is not Catholic and holds heretical views. Well, at least she has the courage of her convictions. It is certainly the height of irony for Fr. Martin to be concerned with heresy.

A screenshot from the Twitter account of the Editor-in-chief of "The Jesuit Post"

Works of Mercy

The order of the dayin Catholic circlesis to fight Communism.To denounce Communismin Catholic hallsis not an efficient wayto fight Communism.The daily practiceof the Works of Mercyis a more efficient wayto fight Communism.The daily practiceof the Works of Mercyby the first Christiansmade the paganssay about the Christians"See how they love each other."

Pope Francis' visit to the Little Sisters of the Poor - who are being actively persecuted by Barack Obama - was the most important visit he undertook in the United States.Get Religion has anexcellent reviewof the secular media non-coverage (I might add very poor covered by much "Catholic" media as well). As Get Religion points out, the visit was either very briefly noted or not even mentioned by many a major media agency, including, they say, CNN (though Frs. Thomas Rosica, Edward Beck were appearing day after day on the network to provide "commentary").

Indeed, the clerical "twitterati", from James Martin S.J., Matt Malone, S.J., Thomas Reese S.J. and the two aforementioned lesser known Twitterers appearing on CNN, have probably been bruising their fingers with all their tweeting and re-tweeting over the past week. But not ONE word from these priests on the Holy Father's visit with the Sisters. And, of course, not ONE word about the scandalous selection of active homosexual and "gay" activist, Mo Rocca as Lector - except Fr. Martin (so far) coming out in favour.

Simply put, the Pope's visit and support of the Sisters is not in keeping with the narrative that these men have so carefully constructed over the past couple of years since the Pope's election. What these men have put together is their graven image of what Pope Francis is to be: not what he is. Readers can review their writings to see where each of these men stand on what some of them like to call "hot button issues". I ask however, why would a grave sin be a "hot button issue" at all? Either something is sinful or it is not. Already such words imply an uneasiness with identifying sin.

For men who love to talk, to be seen, their silence about the Sisters is more than bizarre, it denotes something more. Perhaps they should tell us?

They have, of course, been likewise silent on the Pope's meeting with Kim Davis. They seem to always have ample time to be busily tweeting away (if they are not posing for photographs with their pro-abortion and pro-homosexual journalist friends; we don't want to talk about "hot button issues" - sin - do we? It is just all "luv, luv, luv...").

The Holy Father's meeting with Kim Davis has been neither denied nor admitted by the Holy See Press Office. Read: it happened. The Pope met her, or they would have most certainly denied it with vigor (and delight).This Papal meeting is a massive setback to the homosexualist agenda advocated by so many churchmen who seek to water down the teaching of Christ and His Church on the grave sinfulness of homosexuality (just as was done over 40 years ago on contraception: so muddy the waters that most Catholics ended up not knowing what to think, and fell into dissent). One notices, for example, the approval given to Cardinal Dolan and his lackeys in the selection of Mo Rocca by James Martin S.J. Would Fr. Martin be so enthused had Mr. Rocca's sin been not homosexual acts, but say: serial rape?

The question now is: will the visit with Kim Davis be Pope Francis' "humane vitae" moment? Will the media now turn on the Pope? Will the neo-modernist adulterist and homosexualist churchmen abandon any hope in manipulating him along the path they wish to lead the Church and join with the media in destroying him as they destroyed Pope Benedict?

Pray for the Pope: that he, in the words of his predecessor not "succumb to the wolves". In fact, Pope Francis again and again, at every talk in America, ended with these words:"...and please, don't forget to pray for me".

The homosexual juggernaut is increasing its pressure. Truly the wolves are active! Homosexualists are gathering in Rome to launch a new group: a so-called "Global Network of Rainbow Catholicism". The English arm of this group, LGBT Catholics Westminster Pastoral Council is calling for the Catechism to be changed and "disorder" etc. be removed from theCatholic Herald:

Gay Catholics have sent a briefing paper to the two English bishops attending the family synod next week, urging them to reject “harsh” language about homosexuality.

The LGBT Catholics Briefing Paper resulted from a reflection day, sponsored by the LGBT Catholics Westminster Pastoral Council, held in June 2013.

The briefing paper is addressed to Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, and Bishop Peter Doyle, Bishop of Northampton and chairman of the bishops’ conference Committee for Marriage and Family Life, who will be at the synod which opens on Sunday.

The push to remove catechetical language and replace it with de facto mush is not new. The English language spokesman for the Holy See, Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB, in a Salt and Light broadcast, of January 19, 2015 happlily put it this way regarding the Instrumentum Laboris:

"...new language that is respectful of people, and avoids expressions or terminology that are offensive or that ordinary people cannot grasp. For example the document does not speak of homosexuality as intrinsically disordered. Nor, does it use the term Natural Law, which for many people is not understandable. It doesn't categorize those who cohabit before marriage as living in sin. This provisional text, this mid-term report, looked for positive elements in the various and diversified situations in which couples live".

Tuesday, 29 September 2015

During his visit to the Unites States it has emerged that the Holy Father met with "same-sex marriage" conscientious objector, Kim Davis,who had been arrested and jailed for refusing to sign "marriage" licenses for homosexuals.

As of this writing I could find no mention of the Pope's meeting on the Holy See Press Office's Vatican News. Inside the Vatican, The Guardian, USA Today are all carrying reports.

Given its pro-homosexualist agenda, as proven by the facts over the past year, the Holy See Press Office and its minions are so far silent on this extremely important news. This incident may begin to shed light as to the power and degree of the "wolves" referred to by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

A full report with details may be read at the excellent blog, Vox Cantoris.

Twenty years ago the now forgotten and ignored St. Pope John Paul the Great preached before the faithful in New York City.

In St. Patrick's Cathedral, onOctober 7th, 1995, for the Recitation of the Holy Rosary, with the saintly John Cardinal O'Connor, the holy Pope warned:

"From many points of view, these are difficult times for parents who wish to pass on to their children the treasure of the Catholic faith. Sometimes you yourselves are not sure what the Church stands for.There are false teachers and dissenting voices. Bad examples cause great harm. Furthermore, a self-indulgent culture undermines many of the values which are at the basis of sound family life".

St. John Paul the Great in Central Park

During Holy Mass, on the same dayin Central Park, the great Pope solemnly proclaimed:

"Like Mary, you must not be afraid to allow the Holy Spirit to help you become intimate friends of Christ. Like Mary, you must put aside any fear, in order to take Christ to the world in whatever you do – in marriage, as single people in the world, as students, as workers, as professional people.

Christ wants to go to many places in the world, and to enter many hearts, through you. Just as Mary visited Elizabeth, so you too are called to "visit" the needs of the poor, the hungry, the homeless, those who are alone or ill; for example those suffering from AIDS.

You are called to stand up for life! To respect and defend the mystery of life always and everywhere, including the lives of unborn babies, giving real help and encouragement to mothers in difficult situations. You are called to work and pray against abortion, against violence of all kinds, including the violence done against women’s and children’s dignity through pornography.

Stand up for the life of the aged and the handicapped, against attempts to promote assisted-suicide and euthanasia! Stand up for marriage and family life!

Stand up for purity! Resist the pressures and temptations of a world that too often tries to ignore a most fundamental truth: that every life is a gift from God our Creator, and that we must give an account to God of how we use it either for good or evil".

What is the fallout of selecting a militant homosexual as lector for the Papal Mass last Friday at Madison Square Gardens? The "Catholic" media may be silent, but the homosexual media is not. "My Weekend with Francis" published by Out Magazinecarries an articlethat articulates clearly the very serious scandal and damage caused.

"...In all seriousness, though, I’ve been taught my entire life that blessed are those who have not seen and yet still believe, and I think that definitely applies to Pope Francis. Even if he didn’t see our film, he must know that devout LGBT Catholics exist, many of whom refuse to be silenced by an institution that has historically told them that they can’t live fully and that some of their actions are inherently sinful.

Perhaps that’s why the pope indirectly made a bold declaration at Friday’s Mass, which induced goosebumps from the moment he drove into the arena. To think that the Church hierarchy was unaware of Mo Rocca’s sexual orientation before selecting him for the prime gig would be naive and dismissive. This was a deliberate, and necessary, move to acknowledge a socially- and spiritually-marginalized group, and I was happy to take it.

...The remainder of the Mass was lovely, though it went by rather quickly. Unfortunately, my attempt at making a statement with my Pride rubber bracelet while receiving Communion was thwarted by darkness. No, really. There were very few lights on where we were, so the Eucharistic minister’s laser-beam focus on my hands was crucial...

...After grabbing a couple of beers at Woody’s, we returned to our friends’ apartment to watch Pope Francis get serenaded by a divalicious Aretha Franklin in bedazzled heels. Almost immediately after, an Australian couple randomly appeared on stage. In keeping with the night’s familial theme, they nervously tried reciting a memorized speech about their fears with regards to marriage, namely that its very definition was being threatened. Insert angered groans here.We tried our best to maskthe taste of disgust in our mouths with white wine, but the damage was done..."

Monday, 28 September 2015

From the English and Welsh Bishop's 2014 Family Survey. The following is what they selected under the leadership of cowardly Vincent Cardinal "we did not oppose gay civil partnerships" Nichols.

As theCatholic Herald asked: why publish calls for cohabitation and calls for adulterers to receive Holy Communion? And just before the Synod? I recall my last visit to England. It was obvious the Catholic Faith was imploding. I shall never forget Fr. John Inglis of English Martyrs, Worthing, West Sussex glorying over Fr. Edward Schillebeeckx and universal salvation. But now to the sad, pathetic bishops' document:

Virtually no one is opposed to the 'ideal' vision of marriage but many are disturbed by the legalistic and punitive response of the church to those who cannot live up to the standard.

In particular there is a common view expressed that the denial of the sacraments has a corrosive impact and many cannot understand the Church's position on this issue. "The grace and love of receiving the Body of Christ is such an incredible assistance to a life in such an atheistic modern world. To be excluded is so very sad. When one considers that God alone knows what is in our heart, the love, the longing. One can be a criminal, an occasional Mass goer, someone who hardly believes, but still Holy Communion is available and offered." Another writes on similar lines "Should someone whose marriage has failed be then excluded for the rest of their lives of all the benefits that being with another person can bring? The only unforgivable sin in the church seems to be marrying the wrong partner. The church seems to lack forgiveness." Someone who was divorced and some many years later received an annulment writes "In these modern times when things have changed so much is there nothing that can be done to stop the isolation of these divorced and remarried people (even people who have taken a life can receive the Sacraments.)"

In another diocese the single most common theme is the pain of people who are barred from receiving the sacraments because they are divorced and re-married (without an annulment). ‘Could it really become a sacrament offered for healing those who are suffering? ….. Eucharist should not be used as a sanction or a prize for ‘worthiness’ when none of us is worthy to receive the gift of God. Several people suggested that Jesus would be more compassionate than the Church is: ‘When people who have divorced and remarried have been coming to church every Sunday for years we should be welcoming them to the Eucharistic table. WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?”

The ACTA survey reports that the vast majority of respondents, 88%, rejected the church’s policy of refusing access to the sacraments for the divorced and remarried.And this is what the bishops selected as a commentary on Humanae Vitae:

“Humanae Vitae included so much wisdom on sexuality and the dangers for society of a careless approach to this - sadly it has been lost because all focus has been on the banning of all artificial contraception and, for some at least, on the unsatisfactory way in which Paul VI arrived at his decision. When some of our bishops continue to prioritise this ban, they continue to widen the gap between Catholic teaching and the actual practice of most married Catholics. A great pity.”

As we approach the feast of St. Francis of Assisi (October 4) it might be useful to bypass the usual picture of the saint and look at his efforts to rebuild the Church. This is the San Damiano Cross. I carry a picure of it in my wallet and often use it when praying the rosary.

Anyway,
what happened was this. The story very largely revolves around the
ruins of the Church of St. Damien, an old shrine in Assisi which was
apparently neglected and falling to pieces. Here Francis was in the
habit of praying before the crucifix during those dark and aimless days
of transition which followed the tragical collapse of all his military
ambitions, probably made bitter by some loss of social prestige terrible
to his sensitive spirit. As he did so he heard a voice saying to him,
"Francis, seest thou not that my house is in ruins? Go and restore it
for me."

Francis took this quite literally and set about rebuilding the chapel at San Damiano wherein he was praying. When he was finished at San Damiano he went on to the Portiuncula which formed a base for his order. Obviously Our Lord had something greater in mind for Francis but his faithfulness in small things laid the basis for these greater things to come. Soon Francis and his band of followers traveled to Rome to seek the approval of Pope Innocent III for his order.

Innocent III, the great Pope, according to Bonaventura, was walking on
the terrace of St. John Lateran, doubtless revolving the great political
questions which troubled his reign, when there appeared abruptly before
him a person in peasant costume whom he took to be some sort of
shepherd. He appears to have got rid of the shepherd with all convenient
speed; possibly he formed the opinion that the shepherd was mad. Anyhow
he thought no more about it until, says the great Franciscan biographer,
he dreamed that night a strange dream. He fancied that he saw the whole
huge ancient temple of St. John Lateran, on whose high terraces he had
walked so securely, leaning horribly and crooked against the sky as if
all its domes and turrets were stooping before an earthquake Then he
looked again and saw that a human figure was holding it up like a living
caryatid; and the figure was that of the ragged shepherd or peasant from
whom he had turned away on the terrace.

What strikes me here is the theme of building up the Church beginning with small things and being led on to greater things. St. Francis went about the neighborhood of Assisi begging for stones and building materials to repair the little chapel of San Damiano. This was St. Francis' vocation but he did not come to it easily. The time spent in a Perugian prison cell no doubt afforded him time to reflect on his life. He began by taking small faltering steps, some of which were questionable. He sold some of his father's cloth, drapery and even his horse to buy building supplies for San Damiano. This he repented of when he returned his clothes to his father in front of the bishop.

Reflecting on St. Francis might give us some insight about what it truly means to build up Christ's Church. Francis did not begin with a trip to Rome to consult with Pope Innocent III but by repairing the chapel of San Damiano. When the Lord finally called him to Rome, he did not go in the same spirit as heretical groups which preceded him like the Waldensians but tonsured in obedience. His rebuilding of San Damiano taught him that stolen goods could not be used to build Christ's Church.

We should ask ourselves whether we are willing to serve the apprenticeship Christ sets out for us as Francis did or skip ahead to the good parts as we are wont to do. We should ask whether we are using tools and materials appropriate to the task. Most of all we need to ask whether our imitation of Christ is selective or complete. Do we dwell on the cleansing of the temple or the warning against the scribes and pharisees or are we willing to follow Christ to Golgotha. St. Francis was granted the stigmata as a sign that his imitation of Christ was complete. May ours be as well.

Mo Rocca is a victim who should be prayed for. Same-sex attraction is, as the Catechism teaches, a cross for many, and as with any sin, prayer, penance and the Sacraments are the Divine solution for fallen human nature. Along with Faith, God has given us reason. Same-sex attraction also leads active homosexuals quickly into sex-addiction. It is a frightful mental illness. Reason tells us these poor men and women need psychological counseling, not encouragement. Caught in this terrible and addictive vice, these people need our prayers and support. If your parish does not have Courage, please speak to your pastor about ensuring that they do. The Year of Mercy can hardly be called merciful if there is not a great action from Catholics to bring the liberating truth of Christ to those enmeshed in the vice and sin of homosexuality.

A re-tweet by Jason Welle S.J.

Ultimately Mo Rocca is a pawn by evil men who wish to bring the Catholic Church to accept - if not marriage - "gay relationships", "gay unions" etc. Marriage, all but in name. Most recently we have heard this propaganda from Cardinal Schonborn, and Bishops Bonny and Bode. The logical of their proposals is to downgrade the sinfulness of homosexuality; to remove it as a mortal sin. Mo Rocca did not insert himself into the Mass as Lector. He was selected. Why? Very likely because he is an open homosexual who supports the "gay" lifestyle, supports "same-sex marriage".

We still have yet to hear from His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan on this matter. Cardinal Dolan, the successor to Terrance Cardinal Cooke, the very man who established the first chapter ofCouragein his Archdiocese under the leadership of late and holy Fr. John Harvey, and then John Cardinal O'Connor who built Courage as a wonderful apostolate for men and women seeking the true liberty as children of God through living celibate lives in accordance with the Gospels. You, Cardinal Dolan, of all bishops should have reached out to Rocca and brought him into Courage!

But things move quickly in an age of near instant communication. The homosexualists in the church, such as powerful and influential priests like Fr. James Martin S.J., have already seen the implication of the selection of Rocca as Lector and approved. I am sure he is not the only one. But one has to say, at least Martin has the courage of his convictions. How many will there be who will collude, approve, but secretly? Here we have Fr. Martin "favouring" a tweet by homosexualist and pro "same-sex marriage" Jesuit priest-to-be, Jason Welle. I am sure these two will not be the last ones.

Fr. James Martin S.J. "favors" the use of Rocca as Lector

And now we come to the "Catholic" media. Well, where are they? Whom do they serve? God or mammon? The answer seems to be quite obvious. We are met with absolute silence. Name a paper, a media outlet: silence. Besides it being mentioned Saturday - albeit briefly, as they were shocked - on EWTN, we have silence. Being "in" with powerful bishops, being "in" with money can do strange things to people.

The militant homosexual press, smelling blood, on the other hand is not silent.Pink Newsreports and laments that though Rocca was selected, the Pope continues the "homophobic and transphobic policies of his predecessors", including his public support against "same-sex marriage" proposals in (e.g.) Slovakia. Thus they push the homosexualist agenda, while slamming the Church and ramping up the pressure. They are joined, implicitly by the treacherous "official" Catholic media who, in remaining silent, acquiesce to this outrage perpetrated by Dolan and his lackeys, who have not only betrayed Our Lord, His Church, the Pope - but his predecessors Cardinals Cooke and O'Connor, as well as all the priests who serve Courage, and the countless faithful Catholics who have been ministered to by that wonderful apostolate.

Pope Francis addressed a number of issues in-flight to Rome from Philadelphia. On the question of giving Holy Communion to adulterers he seemed to steer clear from that proposition; though he did not provide the absolute clarity as he did on priestesses. We need clarity, as we have incredible pressure from powerful clerics in the opposite direction.

In his mind Pope Francis believes his Moto Proprio closes the door to "Catholic divorce". However, an increasing number of canonists believe the result will be the exact opposite. Indeed, if annulments can be given on an ever expanding list of possibilities, then yes, technically divorce disappears, because everyone receives an annulment. Of note, seems to be the Pope's Argentine pastoral experience deciding his universal pastoral approach. It may well be that in his experience annulments took 15 years, but is this a reality across the Universal Church?

From Vatican Radio:

During the journey Pope Francis answered questions put to him by 11 journalists on board the American Airlines flight.

Please find below our translation of the full transcript of the press conference:

Pope Francis: Good evening to all and thank you for the work because you went about from one place to the other and I was in a car but you… thank you very much.

Elizabeth Dias, Time Magazine:Thank you so much Holy Father Elizabeth Dias from TIME magazine. We are all so curious…this was your first visit to the US. What surprised you about the US and what was different to what you might have expected?

Pope Francis:It was my first visit. I’d never been here before. What surprised me was the warmth, the warmth of the people, so lovable. It was a beautiful thing and also different: in Washington the welcome was warm but more formal; New York was a bit exuberant. Philadelphia very expressive. Three different kinds of welcome. I was very struck by this kindness and welcome but also by the religious ceremonies and also by the piety, the religiosity of the people... you could see the people pray and this struck me a lot. Beautiful.

Elizabeth Dias, Time Magazine:Was there some sort of challenge that you didn’t expect in the United States?

Pope Francis: No, thank God no…everything was good. No challenge. No provocation. Everyone was polite. No insults and nothing bad.

Elizabeth Dias, Time Magazine:Well, what is the challenge?

Pope Francis:We must continue to work with the faithful like we have always done, until now. Accompanying people in their growth - through the good times but also through the difficult ones - accompanying people in their joy and in their bad moments, in their difficulties when there is no work, ill health. The challenge of the Church… now I understand: the Church’s challenge is staying close to the people. Close to the United States… not being a Church which is detached from the people but close to them, close, close and this is something that the Church in America has understood, and understood well.

David O’Reilly, Philadelphia Inquirer:Holy Father: Philadelphia, as you know, has had a very difficult time with sex abuse. It’s still an open wound in Philadelphia. So I know many people in Philadelphia were surprised that you offered bishops comfort and consolation and I think many in Philadelphia would ask you why did you feel the need to offer compassion to the bishops?

Pope Francis:In Washington I spoke to all the US bishops… they were all there no? I felt the need to express compassion because something really terrible happened. And many of them suffered who did not know of this. I used words from the bible from Apocalypse: You are coming from a large tribulation. What happened was a great tribulation. But also the suffering (emotional). What I said today to the victims of abuse. I wouldn’t say an apotheosis but almost a sacrilege. We know abuses are everywhere: in families, in neighborhoods, in schools, in gyms. But when a priest abuses it is very serious because the vocation of the priest is to make that boy, that girl, grow towards the love of God, toward maturity, and towards good. Instead this is squashed and this is nearly a sacrilege and he betrayed his vocation, the calling of the Lord. For this reason the Church is strong on this and one must not cover these things up. Those who covered this up are guilty. Even some bishops who covered this up, It is a terrible thing and the words of comfort were not to say: ”Don’t worry that was nothing… no, no, no even some bishops who covered this up, It’s a terrible thing and the words of comfort were not to say “don’t worry that was nothing…no, no , no, but it was so bad that I imagine that you cried hard”… that was the sense of what I meant and today I spoke strongly.

Maria Antonieta Collins, Univision:You have spoken a lot about forgiveness, that God forgives us and that we often ask for forgiveness. I would like to ask you, after you were at the seminary today. There are many priests that have committed sexual abuses to minors and have not asked for forgiveness for their victims. Do you forgive them? And on the other hand, do you understand the victims or their relatives who can’t or don’t want to forgive?

Pope Francis: If a person has done wrong, is conscious of what he has done and does not say sorry, I ask God to take him into account. I forgive him, but he does not receive that forgiveness, he is closed to forgiveness. We must forgive, because we were all forgiven. It is another thing to receive that forgiveness. If that priest is closed to forgiveness, he won’t receive it, because he locked the door from the inside. And what remains is to pray for the Lord to open that door. To forgive you must be willing. But not everyone can receive or know how to receive it, or are just not willing to receive it. What I’m saying is hard. And that is how you explain how there are people who finish their life hardened, badly, without receiving the tenderness of God.

Pope Francis:Yes, I do. I pray for them. And I don’t judge them. Once, in one of these meetings, I met several people and I met a woman who told me “When my mother found out that I had been abused, she became blasphemous, she lost her faith and she died an atheist.” I understand that woman. I understand here. And God who is even better than me, understands her. And I’m sure that that woman has been received by God. Because what was abused, destroyed, was her own flesh, the flesh of her daughter. I understand her. I don’t judge someone who can’t forgive. I pray and I ask God… God is a champion in finding paths of solutions. I ask him to fix it.

Andres Beltramo, Notimex:Thanks, first of all for this moment. We’ve all heard you speak so much about the peace process in Colombia between the FARC and the government. Now, there’s an historic agreement. Do you feel involved in this agreement and you’ve said that you wished to go to Colombia when this agreement was made, right? Now there are a lot of Colombians awaiting you.

Pope Francis: When I heard the news that in March the accord will be signed I said to the Lord, 'Lord, help us reach March.' The willingness is there on both sides. It is there, even in the small group, everyone is in agreement. We have to reach March, for the definitive accord, which is the point of international justice. I was very happy and I felt like I was a a part of it because I’ve always wanted this. I spoke to president Santos twice about this problem. Not only myself, but also the Holy See. The Holy See was always willing to help and do what it could. Thomas Jansen, CIC:Holy Father, I wanted to ask something about the migrant crisis in Europe. Many countries are building new barriers out of barbed wire. What do you think of this development?

Pope Francis:You used a word, crisis. It’s become a state of crisis after a long process. For years, this process has exploded because wars for which those people leave and flee are wars waged for years. Hunger. It’s hunger for years. When I think of Africa… this is a bit simplistic. But I see it as an example. It comes to me to think about Africa, “the exploited continent.” They went to pick up the slaves there, then its great resources. It’s the exploited continent. And, now the wars, tribal or not. But they have economic interests behind them. And, I think that instead of exploiting a continent or a nation, make investments there instead so the people are able to work and this crisis would have been avoided. It’s true, as I said at Congress, it’s a refugee crisis not seen since World War II. It’s the biggest. You asked me about barriers. You know what happens to all walls. All of them. All walls fall. Today, tomorrow or in 100 years, they will fall. It’s not a solution. The Wall isn’t a solution. In this moment, Europe is in difficulty, it’s true. We have to be intelligent. We must find solutions. We must encourage dialogue between different nations, to find them. Walls are never solutions. But bridges are, always, always. I don’t know. What I think is that walls can last a little time or a long time. The problem remains but it also remains with more hatred. That’s what I think.

Jean Marie Guenois, Le Figaro:Holy Father, you obviously cannot anticipate the debate of the synod fathers, we know that well. But we want to know just before the Synod, in your heart as a pastor, if you really want a solution for the divorced and remarried. We want to also know if your ‘motu proprio’ on the speeding-up of annulments has closed this debate. Finally, how do you respond to those who fear that with this reform, there is a de-facto creation of a so-called 'Catholic divorce.' Thank you.

Pope Francis:I’ll start with the last one. In the reform of the procedure and the way, I closed the door to the administrative path, which was the path through which divorce could have entered. You could say that those who think this is 'Catholic divorce' are wrong because this last document has closed the door to divorce by which it could have entered. It would have been easier with the administrative path. There will always be the judicial path. Continuing with the third (question): the document…. I don’t remember the third but you correct me.

Jean Marie Guenois, Le Figaro:The question was on the notion of Catholic divorce, if the motu proprio has closed the debate before the synod on this theme?

Pope Francis:This was called for by the majority of the Synod fathers in the synod last year: streamline the process because there are cases that last 10-15 years, no? There’s one sentence, then another sentence, and after there's an appeal, there's the appeal then another appeal. It never ends. The double sentence, when it was valid that there was an appeal, was introduced by Papa Lambertini, Benedict XIV, because in central Europe, I won’t say which country, there were some abuses, and to stop it he introduced this but it's not something essential to the process. The procedure changes, jurisprudence changes, it gets better. At that time it was urgent to do this, then Pius X wanted to streamline and made some changes but he didn’t have the time or the possibility to do it. The Synod fathers asked for it, the speeding up of the annulment processes. And I stop there. This document, this ‘motu proprio’ facilitates the processes and the timing, but it is not divorce because marriage is indissoluble when it is a sacrament. And this the Church cannot change. It's doctrine. It’s an indissoluble sacrament. The legal trial is to prove that what seemed to be a sacrament wasn't a sacrament, for lack of freedom for example, or for lack of maturity, or for mental illness. There are so many reasons that bring about (an annulment), after a study, an investigation. That there was no sacrament. For example, that the person wasn't free. Another example: now it’s not so common but in some sectors of common society at least in Buenos Aires, there were weddings when the woman got pregnant: 'you have to get married.' In Buenos Aires, I counselled my priests, strongly, I almost prohibited them to celebrate weddings in these conditions. We called them “speedy weddings”, eh? (They were) to cover up appearances. And the babies are born, and some work out but there's no freedom and then things go wrong little by little they separate (and say) 'I was forced to get married because we had to cover up this situation” and this is a reason for nullity. So many of them. Cases of nullity, you have, you can find them (the reasons) on the internet there all there are many, eh? Then, the issue of the second weddings, the divorcees, who make a new union. You read what, you have the “instrumentum laboris.” what is put in discussion seems a bit simplistic to me to say that the Synod is the solution for these people and that they can have communion. That's not the only solution. No, what the “Instrumentum laboris” proposes is a lot more, and also the problem of the new unions of divorcees isn't the only problem. In the “Instrumentum laboris” there are many. For example, young people don’t get married. They don’t want to get married. It's a pastoral problem for the Church. Another problem: the affective maturity for a marriage. Another problem: faith. 'Do I believe that this is for ever? Yes, yes, yes, I believe.' 'But do you believe it?' the preparation for a wedding: I think so often that to become a priest there's a preparation for 8 years, and then, its not definite, the Church can take the clerical state away from you. But, for something lifelong, they do four courses! 4 times… Something isn't right. It’s something the Synod has to deal with: how to do preparation for marriage. It’s one of the most difficult things.There are many problems, they're all are listed in the “Instrumentum laboris.” But, I like that you asked the question about 'Catholic divorce.' That doesn't exist. Either it wasn't a marriage, and this is nullity -- it didn't exist. And if it did, it's indissoluble. This is clear. Thank you.

Terry Moran, ABC News:Holy Father, thank you, thank you very much and thank you to the Vatican staff as well. Holy Father, you visited the Little Sisters of the Poor and we were told that you wanted to show your support for them and their case in the courts. And, Holy Father, do you also support those individuals, including government officials, who say they cannot in good conscience, their own personal conscience, abide by some laws or discharge their duties as government officials, for example in issuing marriage licenses to same sex couples. Do you support those kinds of claims of religious liberty? Pope Francis:I can’t have in mind all cases that can exist about conscience objection. But, yes, I can say the conscientious objection is a right that is a part of every human right. It is a right. And if a person does not allow others to be a conscientious objector, he denies a right.Conscientious objection must enter into every juridical structure because it is a right, a human right. Otherwise we would end up in a situation where we select what is a right, saying 'this right that has merit, this one does not.' It (conscientious objection) is a human right.It always moved me when I read, and I read it many times, when I read the “Chanson de Roland” when the people were all in line and before them was the baptismal font and they had to choose between the baptismal font or the sword. They had to choose. They weren’t permitted conscientious objection. It is a right and if we want to make peace we have to respect all rights.

Terry Moran, ABC News:Would that include government officials as well? Pope Francis:It is a human right and if a government official is a human person, he has that right. It is a human right.

Stefano Maria Paci, Sky News:Holiness, you used very strong words at the UN to denounce the world’s silence on the persecution of Christians, who are deprived of their homes, thrown out, deprived of their possessions, enslaved and brutally killed. Yesterday, President Hollande announced the beginning of a bombing campaign by France on ISIS bases in Syria. What do you think of this military action? Also, the mayor of Rome, city of the Jubilee, declared that he came to the World Meeting of Families because you invited him. Can you tell us how it went?

Pope Francis:I will start with your second question. I did not invite Mayor Marino. Is that clear? I didn’t do it and I asked the organizers and they didn’t invite him either. He came. He professes to be a Catholic and he came spontaneously. That’s the first thing. But it is clear, heh? And now about bombardments. Truly, I heard the news the day before yesterday, and I haven’t read about it. I don’t know much about the situation. I heard that Russia took one position and it wasn’t clear yet about the United States. I truly don’t know what to say because I haven’t fully understood the situation. But, when I hear the word bombing, death, blood… I repeat what I said in Congress and at the UN, to avoid these things. But, I don’t know, I can’t judge the political situation because I don’t know enough about it.

Miriam Schmidt, German DPA Agency:Holy Father, I wanted to ask a question about the relationship of the Holy See with China and the situation in this country which is also quite difficult for the Catholic Church. What do you think about this?

Pope Francis:China is a great nation that offers the world a great culture, so many good things. I said once on the plane when were flying over China when we were coming back from Korea that I would very much like so much to go to China. I love the Chinese people and I hope there is possibility of having good relations, good relations. We’re in contact, we talk, we are moving forward but for me, having a friend of a great country like China, which has so much culture and has so much opportunity to do good, would be a joy.

Maria Sagrarios Ruiz de Apodaca, RNE:Thank you. Good evening, Holy Father. You have visited the U.S. for the first time, you had never been there before. You spoke to Congress, you spoke to the United Nations. You drew multitudes. Do you feel more powerful? And another question, we heard you draw attention to the role of religious women, of the women in the Church in the United States. Will we one day see women priests in the Catholic church as some groups in the U.S. ask, and some other Christian churches have?

Pope Francis:He’s telling me not to answer in Spanish (referring to Fr. Federico Lombardi.) The sisters in the United States have done marvels in the field of education, in the field of health. The people of the United States love the sisters. I don’t know how much they love the priests, (laughs) but they love the sisters, they love them so much. They are great, they are great, great, great women. Then, one follows her congregation, their rules, there are differences. But are they great. And for that reason I felt the obligation to say thank you for what they have done. An important person of the government of the United States told me in the last few days: “The education I have, I owe above all to the sisters.” The sisters have schools in all neighborhoods, rich and poor. They work with the poor and in the hospitals. This was the first. The second? The first I remember, the second?

Maria Sagrarios Ruiz de Apodaca, RNEIf you feel powerful after having been in the United States with your schedule and having been successful?

Pope Francis:I don’t know if I had success, no. But I am afraid of myself. Why am I afraid of myself? I feel always – I don’t know – weak in the sense of not having power and also power is a fleeting thing, here today, gone tomorrow. It’s important if you can do good with power. And Jesus defined power, the true power is to serve, to do service, to do the most humble services, and I must still make progress on this path of service because I feel that I don’t do everythayor ing I should do. That’s the sense I have of power.

Third, on women priests, that cannot be done. Pope St. John Paul II after long, long intense discussions, long reflection said so clearly. Not because women don’t have the capacity. Look, in the Church women are more important than men, because the church is a woman. It is “la” church, not “il” church. The Church is the bride of Jesus Christ. And the Madonna is more important than popes and bishops and priests. I must admit we are a bit late in an elaboration of the theology of women. We have to move ahead with that theology. Yes, that’s true.

Mathilde Imberty, Radio FranceHoly Father, you have become a star in the United States. Is it good for the Church if the Pope is a star?

Pope Francis:The Pope must… Do you know what the title was of the Pope that ought to be used? Servant of the servants of God. It’s a little different from the stars. Stars are beautiful to look at. I like to look at them in the summer when the sky is clear. But the Pope must be, must be the servant of the servants of God. Yes, in the media this is happening but there’s another truth. How many stars have we seen that go out and fall. It is a fleeting thing. On the other hand, being servant of the servants of God is something that doesn’t pass.